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SELVORA
Plan trip
A suspension bridge disappearing into mist in the cloud forest
Mountains, thermal water and highland walking

VolcanoesandCloudForest

Regions

Guanacaste, Arenal, Monteverde

Suggested length

Around 9 to 11 nights

Pace

Active, with room to rest

Plan this journey

TheShapeOfVolcanoesandCloudForest

  • Ideal for walkers
  • Ideal for return visitors
  • Ideal for photographers
  • Ideal for travellers who prefer mountains to beaches

This journey follows Costa Rica's volcanic spine through the north. It suits travellers who would happily trade a few beach days for more time on foot, in thermal water and in the cool green of the mountains.

It can begin in Liberia or San José, and it ends easily on the Guanacaste coast if you want to finish with a few days by the sea.

An illustrative route, not a bookable package. Stays, timings and transport are chosen with you and confirmed only in your own proposal.

The pale blue Río Celeste flowing through rainforest

MakeItYourOwn

Adapt this journey

GoodToKnow

Mostly smaller lodges in or near the forest, where you can walk from your door. In Arenal there are more choices, from secluded lodges to places built around hot springs.

Typical stays: Forest lodges · Hot-spring retreats · Small mountain hotels

Experiences along the way
Volcano walks and thermal mud · The Río Celeste trail · Hot springs · Hanging bridges · Birding in the cloud forest. Nothing is included by default; we choose with you.
Getting around
Some trails are steep and can be muddy; reasonable fitness makes this journey more enjoyable.
Before you go
The colour of the Río Celeste is at its clearest after dry weather and can cloud after heavy rain.
Timing
Temperatures range from hot lowlands to cool highland nights within a few days.
Start planning this journey

TheRegionsOnThisRoute

All regions
  • Palm trees shading a white-sand beach under a blue sky
    RegionNorth Pacific

    Guanacaste and the North Pacific

    Tropical dry forestProtected Pacific baysVolcanic highlands around Rincón de la Vieja

    Dry forest, broad bays and the country's sunniest coast.

    View
  • The cone of Arenal Volcano above dense green forest
    RegionNorthern lowlands

    Arenal and the Northern Plains

    Volcanic cone and old lava flowsFoothill rainforestLake Arenal

    A volcano that holds the view, and warm rivers at its feet.

    View
  • A suspension bridge disappearing into mist in the cloud forest
    RegionTilarán mountains

    Monteverde and the Cloud Forest

    Cloud forestRidges and wind-shaped elfin forestPastures and farmland on the lower slopes

    Mist, moss and the cool air of the continental divide.

    View

MoreJourneys

All journeys
  • The cone of Arenal Volcano above dense green forest
    JourneyBalanced

    Rainforest to the Pacific

    Around 10 to 12 nightsArenalMonteverdeCentral Pacific

    Volcano and hot springs, a few cool days in the cloud forest, then down to the coast where the forest meets the sea.

    View
  • Aerial view of a forested headland reaching into turquoise Pacific water
    JourneyUnhurried, with long days outdoors

    The Wild South

    Around 9 to 12 nightsCentral PacificOsa

    Whale coasts near Uvita, then on by boat to the Osa Peninsula and the deep forest of Corcovado, with quiet days on the Golfo Dulce.

    View
  • Palm silhouettes against an orange sunset over the Pacific
    JourneySlow

    Slow Days on Nicoya

    Around 9 to 10 nightsGuanacasteNicoya

    A short stay in Guanacaste's dry forest, then two unhurried bases on the Nicoya Peninsula, each with its own character.

    View
  • A brown-throated sloth hanging from a branch in the rainforest
    JourneyFull, with early mornings

    A Naturalist's Costa Rica

    Around 12 to 14 nightsCaribbeanMonteverdeOsa

    Canals and turtle beaches on the Caribbean, the cloud forest, then the deep rainforest of the Osa. Built for people who travel with binoculars.

    View

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Costa Rica